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Rookie Liddi makes first outfield start

Rookie Liddi makes first outfield start

Alex Liddi

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CLEVELAND -- Alex Liddi made his first start in left field for the Mariners on Thursday, as manager Eric Wedge continued finding ways to get the rookie in the lineup.

Liddi has never played in the outfield in a professional game, but the 23-year-old Italian has been taking fly balls in left during pregame work since Spring Training. With Mike Carp's right shoulder a little sore after playing a string of games since coming off the disabled list, Wedge had Carp at designated hitter in Thursday's series finale with the Indians.

Liddi had started at third base Wednesday, but he moved into left field in the final inning as Wedge wanted to get him a look there.

"I'm a veteran now," Liddi said with a smile.

"You've got to break 'em in at some point in time," said Wedge. "No time better than the present."

Liddi has played in 31 previous Major League games, 27 of those at third base and four at first. He's also played shortstop with Triple-A Tacoma and could get some time there, as well, this season.

"The biggest thing for me is just getting in the lineup every day, no matter how," Liddi said. "Every time I get in the lineup, I'm excited."

Carp was scratched from Wednesday's game after his shoulder stiffened. He said he felt better Thursday and was hopeful to be back in the outfield Friday in Colorado.